Women & Infants Development Foundation

When Emily and Matt Bucci moved to Rhode Island just months before the birth of their first child, they took the opportunity to tour Women & Infants. Impressed by the premier facility, the couple was equally taken with the art on its walls.

Women & Infants’ art collection, curated by Diana L. Johnson, boasts a broad range of art in a variety of media, from paintings to prints, photographs to sculpture. Most were gifts, although some have been purchased for a specific purpose. After Emily gave birth to their son, Teddy, at the hospital, the couple decided they would like to add to the collection.

“The staff took such wonderful care of all of us, from the delivery to the follow-up after,” Emily said. “We thought an art donation would be a good way to express our gratitude for the kindness we were shown.”

Emily grew up in a family of art lovers. Her grandparents and parents are longtime supporters of the arts, and Emily has continued the tradition. The family has supported a variety of institutions and non-profits throughout the years, including organizations that have had a meaningful impact on the family.

Over the years, Emily has acquired some pieces of her family’s collection that hold special meaning to her. One artist in particular, Harold Zachariah Krisel, is a mid-century American artist whose work has been part of numerous public and private collections, including at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Whitney Museum and New York Public Library. Krisel’s style is best-described as geometric abstraction.

“The colors and patterns are especially fitting for children,” Emily said. “When we donated the prints, our son was about three months old, and we could see his eyes light up with excitement when he saw the works. We’re hoping the pieces have a similar effect in opening the worlds of other children.”

The prints are hung around the hospital’s campus, in sites such as the Murray Family Infusion Center and the Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk.

“Everyone at Women & Infants, whether a patient or guest, is there for a different reason and experiences unique emotions,” Emily said. “Regardless of their circumstances, my hope is that these works can provide some measure of hope, happiness and inspiration for all who see them.”